PhD position in Ecology or Computational Science-modelling lake ecosystems - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University invites applications for a PhD position developing dynamical models for the study of environmental and biotic impacts on northern lake ecosystems. The position will start on September 1st, 2019, but this can be negotiated. Application deadline is June 5th 2019.

Project description
Northern lakes are sensitive to (1) increasing terrestrial inputs of colored dissolved organic matter (‘browning’, which reduces photosynthetic activity), and (2) invasions of fish species favored by global warming. Data suggest that browning and species invasions can cause regime shifts in northern lakes, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We will explore this with comparative ecosystem modeling, where we break down the complex network of the ecosystem into modules that can be more easily analyzed. Subsequently, the network is reassembled in a stepwise manner, and system dynamics in presence and absence of different modules are compared. Empirical data will be used to assess the performance of the comparative modeling approach and to evaluate its potential as a tool for the prediction of complex ecosystem dynamics.

Tasks and supervision
The PhD student will work in a team that integrates multiple processes (carbon and nutrient dynamics, primary production, predator-prey interactions) into partial differential equation models describing food web and ecosystem dynamics in lakes that differ in basin morphometry and in terrestrial inputs of nutrients and organic carbon. Emphasis is put on spatial processes linking open water and bottom habitats and on size-structured population interactions.

The project is financed by the Swedish Research Council (VR). Principal supervisor will be Professor Sebastian Diehl and co-supervisor will be Professor Åke Brännström.

Qualifications and admission requirements
We are looking for a candidate with a strong computational background in either project-specific subjects (e.g. ecology and evolution, physical geography, environmental science) or other quantitative subjects (e.g. computer science, physics, mathematics). Experience with mathematical modelling and numerical simulations is a requirement. Experience with reaction-advection-diffusion models is a particularly strong merit. Other merits are good programming skills and knowledge of dynamic system approaches, theoretical ecology, and/or aquatic ecology. The candidate should be versed in the use of Matlab software, have a good ability to write and speak in English, be curious and creative, take initiative, be independent and have good social skills.

The recruitment procedure follows the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chap. 5 and 7). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits of higher education studies of which 60 ECTS credits should be on an advanced (Master) level, or equivalent competence.
Admission to PhD studies in ecology requires at least 120 ECTS credits (2 years) in subjects relevant for ecology including at least one course on an advanced level plus an independent project of at least 15 ECTS credits.
Admission to PhD studies in computational science requires at least 90 ECTS credits in computationally intensive courses from relevant fields (e.g. mathematics, statistics, computer science, ecology) of which at least 30 ECTS credits are at an advanced level (applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired equivalent skills are also eligible). Requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies.

Terms for the employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Evaluation and Application
Evaluations will be based on the application letter, the applicant’s educational background, the relevance and quality of written output from earlier research (such as project reports, undergraduate theses, publications), references, and interviews.

You apply through our recruitment system. Log on to the system and apply via the button on the web page on June 5th at the latest.

The application should include the following documents in English or Swedish:

1.    A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in the position

2.    CV

3.    Copies of certificates from higher education

4.    List of completed university courses and grades

5.    Copy of publications/degree thesis

6.    Contact information of 2-3 reference persons

Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.

Contact
For more information contact Professor Sebastian Diehl, sebastian.diehl@umu.se

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (www.emg.umu.se) carries out research and education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 28 PhD students.